What question did this study set out to answer?

The research aims to assess the capability of biofertilizers to solubilize potassium and phosphorus from natural mineral sources to improve soil fertility.

April 22, 2026Open Access

Effect on Biofertilizers Solubilizing Natural Minerals, Potassium Feldspar and Rock Phosphate into Plant Available K and P

KPKasun Lakmini PathirageSabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka CSChayangi SandaminiSabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka SDSakura DewappriyaSabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka

Key Points

The research aims to assess the capability of biofertilizers to solubilize potassium and phosphorus from natural mineral sources to improve soil fertility.
Conducted pot experiments using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with various treatments.
Evaluated the effects of potassium feldspar and rock phosphate alone, with biofertilizers, and untreated controls.
Measured plant-available K and P, microbial activity, and plant growth using standard chemical extraction methods.
Combined application of potassium feldspar with biofertilizer significantly increased available potassium compared to using potassium feldspar alone.
The integration of rock phosphate with biofertilizer resulted in a notable rise in available phosphorus compared to rock phosphate only.
The highest potassium solubilization was observed from microbial sources found in pine forest soil.

Abstract

Abstract Potassium (K) and Phosphorus (P) are essential macronutrients for crop growth and quality; however, excessive use of chemical fertilizer such as muriate of potash and triple superphosphate has led to soil degradation and freshwater eutrophication. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of biofertilizers enriched with native soil microorganisms to solubilize potassium (K) from potassium feldspar (PF) and phosphorus (P) from Eppawala rock phosphate (ERP), thereby enhancing soil fertility through the conversion of mineral nutrients into plant-available forms. The pot experiment was conducted as two separate trials using a randomized complete block design (RCBD), with each trial comprising five treatments. Treatments included potassium feldspar (PF) or Eppawala rock phosphate (ERP) applied alone, biofertilizer applied alone, combined applications of PF or ERP with biofertilizer, and untreated control. Biofertilizers were developed using microbial consortia isolated from three different soil environments. Plant-available K and P, microbial activity and plant growth parameters were determined using standard chemical extraction methods, and treatment effects were evaluated statistically. The combined application of PF and biofertilizer significantly increased exchangeable K (p < 0.05) compared to PF alone. Similarly, EPR integrated with biofertilizer resulted in a significant increase in available P relative to EPR-only treatments. Among the tested microbial sources, the pine forest soil microbial showed the highest K solubilization, and similarly, plant available P was increased when ERP and biofertilizer were incorporated together. These findings highlighted the potential of microbe-enriched biofertilizers to enhance nutrient availability from natural mineral sources, offering an environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional chemical fertilizers.

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